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Tuesday, September 15, 2009

eating locally

I've become a bit obsessed lately. Food obsessed. I'm purchasing (or growing) exclusively organic, local meats, fruits and vegetables. It's pretty easy to find these items in some of our local grocery stores. Farmer's markets and farm stands also offer an abundance this time of year. The problems occur when we go out to eat. I can't cook all the time! Recently we discovered a small, local, par excellence cafe. Ladybug Coffee Company in St Johns, Oregon. They use exclusively organic, locally sourced ingredients to make very tasty things. Everything. I do mean everything. Is made from scratch at Ladybug. We were pretty excited to discover this little gem.

Everything at Ladybug is made completely from scratch. Ladybug's owner, Angel O'Brien believes in sustainable living practices and puts these to strict use in her cafe. Her 15-page job application for potential employees includes questions such as, 'What is something that you do on a regular basis to make the world a better place?' and, 'What is one thing that you think would make Portland a better city? The statement that she has chosen as her business model is this. We believe in local. We believe in organics. We believe in sustainability.

My taste buds have never been seduced by a chai tea latte this delicious.

It's estimated that on average, a restaurant in the United States contributes around 50,000 pounds of garbage to the landfills in one year. Ladybug has created less than 150 pounds in the nearly two years they've been open. Pretty impressive huh?

All electricity used at Ladybug is purchased from 100% wind power. They use secondhand silverware and cloth napkins. All edible leftovers are donated, egg cartons are given to local chicken farms, and egg shells and coffee grounds are taken by customers for use in their gardens.

Once again, YUM! I haven't been up to that end of town for awhile, but it is clearly time to check it out - always looking for the good (dare one dream of great?) breakfast café. I met a friend at Detour Café (on Division and 30th)last Friday and had their french toast - homemade cardamon bread with sour cherry compote (not too gloppy) and toasted almonds - and they offer a half order, which was perfect for me. Most of the rest of their breakfast were egg oriented, but everything looked pretty tasty and is made from scratch, like potato foccacia for their sandwiches. I need to start taking my camera around with me when eating out and get those delish dishes online!